NBA 2K25 – review

If someone had asked me over the past few years which sports franchise offers the most value for money year after year, I would probably have mentioned NBA 2K. That might not sound like overwhelming praise – if you aren't attracted by minor changes in the game, you can comfortably skip a year or two without feeling like you’ve missed something essential. However, in a genre where the amount and variety of content are key, NBA 2K stood out like LeBron James – powerful, but often with attempts to nudge you into buying virtual currency.

NBA 2K25 is just as massive as its predecessors, taking up about 133 GB on my hard drive, which puts it in the same league as games like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3. However, what you get is not just a sports simulation, but a whole series of smaller games merged into one giant mega-sports monster. It’s as if you combined Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson into one giant.

The basketball experience and ProPLAY

What about the basketball itself? It’s quite solid. The new ProPLAY animations make shooting more fluid and authentic, replicating the movements of real players. A new dribbling system contributes to this smoothness, allowing you to transition from a dribble directly into a shot in one move. On defense, one well-timed movement of the joystick can disrupt an opponent's attack, giving the game a more dynamic feel. Although these changes aren't revolutionary, they contribute to an already polished experience.

Learn 2K, a tutorial mode that guides you through all the new and basic aspects of the game, is a smart addition that eases access for both new and old players. You can find similar tutorials in modes like MyTeam and The City, which can seem overly complex to new players.

The city and the microtransaction struggle

Regarding modes, MyPlayer/MyCareer and The City are merged into a single entity – an open world where you can build your NBA dream and participate in a multitude of online and offline activities. This year’s City looks visually impressive, with the addition of activities like go-karting. Still, all of this might sound bizarre to someone who doesn't play 2K – like some strange dream that is hard to explain.

Among the novelties is Proving Grounds, an arena resembling a Roman Colosseum with Michael Jordan's image, where you can compete in competitive multiplayer matches. It is one example of how NBA 2K balances serious play with a dose of the absurd, like tigers following you from the sidelines while you try to score a basket.

Unfortunately, the problem with microtransactions, which has followed NBA 2K for years, is still present. The City and all its additions feel like kitschy decoration around a game that overemphasizes in-app purchases. The same applies to the gathering places of the two online factions – Elite and Rise – with their themed locations like a pirate ship and a factory.

Career, team building, and eras

The return of customizable courts in the apartment is a welcome change, but Squad Finder, a tool for finding teammates, didn't work very well. On several occasions, I found only random players, although the concept is promising. MyCareer is still fun, even though the story is quite minimalist. You have the option to jump straight into the action without lingering too long on the narrative, which is good news for those who like fast play. It is linear but offers a few additional games in high school and on international courts, which might be interesting to those who want a deeper experience.

The MyPlayer building system has been upgraded, allowing for more customization options. Although I’ve only just started developing my player, I’m already having fun, even though I haven't fully tested all the new additions and badges yet.

As for MyTeam – although this card-collecting mode usually isn't my favorite, the new Breakout and Triple Threat Park modes bring short but fun matches. However, I must admit that progress in MyTeam becomes difficult after you pass the first three levels, but the return of the auction house and the introduction of a reputation system promise long-term challenges.

The W, the part of the game dedicated to the WNBA, still leaves me with mixed feelings. While it’s good that it’s present, it feels less developed compared to the rest of the game. The MyPlayer mode and online components are there, but on a much smaller scale and without any integration with The City mode. I still wonder why WNBA players aren't allowed to run through the city and use the arena for career progression? It would surely give the game a new level.

Finally, there is my favorite mode – MyNBA Eras. For years, this mode has offered the chance to create an alternative history of the NBA league across thirty years. This year, a new era was added – the 2016-17 season, which seems like an unnecessary move because the LeBron era already covered most of the 2010s. While I respect Curry's Warriors, it's hard to justify this division.

In the end, NBA 2K25 brings everything fans would expect – a solid game with a lot of content, but with microtransactions that diminish the experience and some unnecessary novelties.